AES Amsterdam 2008Workshop W19

Abstract:Pop music and the fight for level—this is an ongoing battle of even a hint of dynamics. Peak measurement and normalization has caused the fight for “who is the loudest” and with it intersample peaks well beyond 0dBFS. Severe distortion and listener fatigue is the result. The switch of a few broadcasters from peak normalization to loudness normalization is the straw on which proponents of a dynamic, lively, and “breathing” mix cling to in order to bring this topic center-stage again. Key figures from the mixing and mastering side as well as from the manufacturers and like-minded initiatives will discuss ways out of the loudness race, good practices, spreading the word, etc., and will illustrate their points through examples.